WHEN THE CHARGERS HAVE THE BALL

Ryan Mathews, the Chargers’ leading rusher, has left two of the last three games with a hamstring injury.

Whether the speedy Mathews can burn the slowish Bengals linebackers or not, the Chargers offense and San Diego’s weather will make for Cincinnati’s greatest defensive challenge since severe injuries subtracted the unit’s top two of tackle Geno Atkins and cornerback Leon Hall. Heavy winds made passing more difficult in the two games without Atkins and Hall, and neither opponent (Ravens and Browns) has a strong offense.

The Bengals, who are coming off a bye week, regained middle linebacker Rey Maualuga this week. Vincent Rey filled in with three sacks and an interception against the Ravens.

Against the Chargers last December, Atkins dealt right guard Louis Vasquez a rare sack, hitting Philip Rivers 2.4 seconds after the snap. But the better game belonged to end Carlos Dunlap, who reached past backup tackle Kevin Haslam to cause a key fumble (2.4) versus Rivers. Cincinnati’s defense preserved the victory by forcing three incompletions and an interception, after the Chargers had marched to the 17.

Wearing gloves in the cold last Sunday, Rivers overthrew Antonio Gates and Keenan Allen in the first half. Over the game’s final 32 minutes, he led the Chargers to 38 points. By then injuries had stripped Kansas City of its two sack leaders. Even without Atkins, the Bengals still employ three starting linemen better than average. And a backup, end Wallace Gilberry has 5.5 sacks. Beating Michael Harris, he sacked Rivers (3.2) last year.

“When you’re about to play someone,” Rivers said, “there is times you maybe exaggerate a little bit, but I don’t intend to here: (Cincinnati’s defense) is a heck of a group. There is a lot of good players on defense. I know it’s a well-coached defense. And they know their scheme, and they run it well.”